GardenQuest 2012 Helps You Grow With The Experts

By Henry Bryant
Garden experts are coming toEast Atlantafor a day of hands-on up-close demonstrations and instruction on various subjects that area growers have been asking for. The search for a flourishing garden at the beginning of this year’s growing season ends happily at the East Atlanta Library on Saturday, March 31 with GardenQuest 2012.
The day will be divided into 90-minute class periods throughout the day, with each mini-seminar led by garden experts with subjects that neighbors usually have to leave the area to experience. Glynis Ward, who regularly teaches popular classes inDecatur, will offer a session on affordable organic gardening.CommunityGardenLeader Mary Yetter will help you delve into composting. Master Gardener Brooks Garcia will hold forth on container gardens for those who need help creating the perfect accent for porch and patio. Attendees for these presentations will begin at the library and travel a few blocks away to see demonstrations in active gardens.
A children’s activity is also being planned for small gardeners ages 4-8 with details that will soon be announced. At press time the folks at GardenHood are working on a special landscaping presentation for Saturday at the library. Environmental educator and tree expert Robby Astrove is preparing a fruit tree pruning demonstration and walking tree tour for Sunday, April 1.
There will be limited space in each session and reservations will be required. A small fee ($5 for Friends of the Library members and $10 for nonmembers) will be charged to pay for supplies and benefit Friends of East Atlanta Library. The exact times and descriptions are still being firmed up and will be posted online at www.afpls.org/events. Interested gardeners can also call 404-377-6148 or 404-730-5438 for more information. A complete listing of the offerings will available at the library by March 1. Registration and payment of fee can be handled at the Library Circulation desk until March 26, (or until classes fill up). The library is located at 400 Flat Shoals Avenue in the East Atlanta Village. There is still time to sign up to become a part of the Friends group to take advantage of the discount and get other perks. Applications for membership are also available at the library.